Vaccinating greater Wellington

Everyone in in Aotearoa New Zealand aged 5 and over can get their free COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination is still the most effective tool we have to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19. It helps protect you from getting the virus, or from getting very sick if you do catch it.

You can get COVID-19 more than once. So even if you've already had it and recovered, it's still important to get the doses you are eligible for. 

• Anyone aged 12 and over is eligible for two doses at least 3 weeks apart.
• Anyone aged 5-11 years old is eligible for two doses at least 8 weeks apart.
• Anyone aged 18 and over is eligible for a booster dose at least 3 months after their second dose.
• Anyone aged 16 or 17 is eligible for a booster dose at least 6 months after their second dose.
• Anyone who has had COVID-19 before they were vaccinated should wait 3 months after they tested positive before getting their next dose.
• If you are immunocompromised there are different recommendations in place

Vaccinations are available at clinics, GPs and pharmacies throughout our region. Find a clinic that accepts walk-ins or book through Book My Vaccine.

Getting vaccinated after having COVID-19

Catching COVID-19 only gives you short-term immunity against the virus and you can get it again. Getting vaccinated will result in a broader immune response, which is likely to give you better protection against getting COVID-19 again and passing it on.

It's recommended you wait 3 months after testing positive before your next dose to maximise immunity. The recommendation applies to all ages and COVID-19 vaccinations in New Zealand.

Being vaccinated also reduces the chances of you becoming very ill and ending up in the hospital and can help protect you against new variants of COVID-19. Individuals who have been infected but not vaccinated are more likely to be re-infected than those who have had at least 2 doses.

If you are more vulnerable to COVID-19, it might be appropriate to receive your COVID-19 vaccine sooner than 3 months. Talk to your doctor, health provider or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 first.

For more information: Visit the Ministry of Health website. 

Booster vaccinations

Getting your booster will give you and your whānau greater protection from COVID-19, including Omicron.

Rangatahi aged 16 and 17 can get a COVID-19 booster of the Pfizer vaccine if it's been 6 months after completing their primary course. 

Anyone aged 18 or over can get a booster if it’s been three months (93 days) since your second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

You can check when you are due for a booster by visiting mycovidrecord.nz or referring to your purple vaccination card, if you have one.

Find a clinic that accepts walk-ins or book through Book My Vaccine.

Vaccine facts

It's important to get accurate information about the vaccine. You can find more videos like this one on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.

Side effects

Like all medicines, you might experience some mild side effects in the days after getting your vaccination. This is common, and a sign that your body is learning to fight the virus.

Most side effects do not last long, and will not stop you from having a second dose or going about your daily life. Some side effects may temporarily affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

The most common reported reactions are:

• pain or swelling at the injection site
• feeling tired or fatigued
• headache
• muscle aches
• chills
• joint pain
• fever
• redness at the injection site
• nausea.

Some side effects are more common after the second or booster dose. Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are similar in young people to those seen in adults. 

Find out more